Forgotten Finds, Part 3

1977 FORD PINTO SPORT CRUISER WAGON - $2500 (MERCED)

I have a super clean 1977 Ford Pinto Sport Cruiser Wagon for sale. It has had a lot of work done to it. The motor is a 302ci with a c4 trans. Both have under 10k mi. on them. I has an 8in rear that I belive is limited slip. New tires were put on last week with under 100mi. on them (I had to replace the tires because this thing is a tire burner folks). At this time I only have the one photo. I will send more upon request. Any questions feel free to call.
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Ok, I confess. I like Pintos.Yes, they are one of the most ridiculed cars in history. And most hated. But the opportunities are unlimited. When new, they were available in a wide array of trim packages, options and color patterns. Available body styles were Wagon and 2 door hatchback.
One package was the "Cruising Wagon" with a porthole window on the side. These usually had overdone disco paint jobs.Very few looked alike. Clearly, it was attempt to cash in on the "sport van" craze of the era using a compact wagon instead of a van.Considering that Ford got its start by offering Model T's in "any color as long as its black", the variety of appearances and colors you could get on a Pinto from the factory was a far cry from the company's old days. No company today offers such artistic possibilities. It isn't financially sustainable.As much as the automotive media hates 70s car,and Pintos in particular,these cars offered a sense of free-spirited individuality that were a bright spot of the 70s.
Of course, there was the belief that Pinto's blew up when hit from behind, a theory that was possibly debunked but definitely affected the cars reputation even to this day.
Eventually people realized that Pinto's made great race cars.....and demolition derby contestants. Those that weren't crashed in mass quantities for sport or didn't rust in just a few short years (which Pintos were famous for) were often tubbed for the track, and that has kept a surprising number of them in existence today.Less common are quirky original "special editions" like this one.Nowadays, we look at it and think it's ridiculous, but in the 70's this was trendy.People interested in joining the collector car hobby likely aren't going to consider a Pinto, but for the price's these cars run,you'll get a very unique,attention-getting oldie for much less than more common Corvettes and pony cars.And that's another reason I like Pinto's. Great bang for the buck if your getting into the old car hobby, either as a cruiser or racer.Forget image, a Pinto can get you onto the local cruising strip or amateur raceway at the lowest possible cost.
An "interesting" looking car for the right buyer at a price almost unheard of for a collectible.Someone needs to preserve this reminder of a time when cheap cars were as fun as the owners made them to be, and cheap cars alone created a fun lifestyle despite the challenges of the times.